Confession First Then Cleansing

I heard it said on another thread that a humble man never shows favoritism. I agree with this, if we love, we do what is good for people, not what builds their pride. We are willing to lose face to admit our flaws, that Christ might continually cleanse us. We will not be cleansed by Christ if we will not confess that which needs to change in us.

James 5:16 "16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail."

Manipulation in the form of flattery is not godly and only serves to build up the pride of already arrogant people.

Love tells the truth, all the truth, good and ugly equally, without prejudice.

Our aim is not to make people feel good about themselves, but to focus them on Christ and holiness. We work toward holiness when we measure everything we like, everything we believe and everything we desire according to the Scriptures as given to us by Christ.

2 Corinthians 7:1-2 "1 Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one.…"

1 Peter 1:15-16
"15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

Psalm 119:9
"9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping it according to Your word."

2 Timothy 1:9
"9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,"

Philippians 2:5
"5 Have this attitude [a]in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,"

Ephesians 5:3
"3 But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints;"

Isaiah 57:17
"17 “Because of the iniquity of his unjust gain I was angry and struck him; I hid My face and was angry, And he went on turning away, in the way of his heart."

Amos 5:14
"14 Seek good and not evil, that you may live;
And thus may the Lord God of hosts be with you,
Just as you have said!"

Keep Your Eyes Upon Christ Jesus

Keep your eye upon Christ Jesus, there is much about to happen that will startle many, but believers who are focused on the Lord will not be surprised or moved.

Hebrews 12:1-3 "1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.
2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.…"